Located
within Botswana, the
Central Kalahari Game Reserve is the second largest game preserve in the
world. In summer, storms transform the parched lands of the
reserve into fields of grass, and herds of gemsbok,springbok and wildebeest
return. Following closely behind are lions, jackals and hyenas.
Visitors to the park may also see giraffes, wild dogs, warthogs, kudus,
meerkats and red hartebeests.
The reserve was once the home of nomadic San ( Bushmen) but most now
live in permanent settlements. Claiming to have the San's best
interests at heart, the government of Botswana began forcibly removing
the San from the reserve in 1997. Critics of the government
policy believe that the San are being removed so that the government
can monetarily benefit from newly discovered diamond fields.
You
can enter the reserve at
three
different locations. The
south entrance is through Khutse,
the
west entrance through Xade and the northern entrance through
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WHEN TO VISIT
December through April when wildlife gathers in the valleys and pans.
WHERE TO CAMP
Xade Wildlife Camp
Two underveloped campsites are near Xade. Traveling down the
Ghanzi-Kang road, turn east at a signpost 36 kilometers south of
Ghanzi. Follow the sandy road for another 160 kilometers to
Xade. There are no services in this remote area so be sure that
you have sufficient fuel, drinking water and other provisions.
You must check in at the office at the wildlife camp.
Undeveloped campsites are also in other excellent wildlife viewing
areas, including Deception Valley and Passarge Valley.
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